Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis remained optimistic despite his side’s 2-1 defeat to Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday.

The home side took the lead just before halftime through Javi Siverio, who found the net in the final minute of stoppage time. However, Punjab FC responded immediately after the restart, with Ezequiel Vidal scoring in the 46th minute to level the game. The match remained tightly contested until Siverio struck again in the 84th minute, sealing the win for Jamshedpur FC and earning them three crucial points.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Dilmperis highlighted the importance of capitalizing on the scoring opportunities that came Punjab FC's way.

He also acknowledged the energy and passion Jamshedpur FC’s players derived from their fans.

“Of course, if we, as you said, first of all, (we) hit the post with Luka (Majcen). And after, Jamshedpur FC scored. So, instead of being 0-1, it's 1-0. And the second time, in the second goal of Jamshedpur FC, we had two or three chances (before). And then, again they scored.

"I want to be respectful with the coach and the players and what I see here. Because I really enjoy a full stadium of fans. …They are winning, they have a lot of passion, they have aggressiveness. These players are receiving a lot of energy and passion from the fans,” Dilmperis said at the press conference.

Punjab FC’s defensive performance also came under scrutiny, as the head coach addressed the challenges his team faced. The Shers were unable to hold the Men of Steel to a draw, with a late goal securing the win for the home side.

Speaking on this, he said: "I don't think that we have many issues defending. Only the throw-ins were the problem. We had some issues on the right side at the beginning, which we addressed by bringing in Nihal Sudheesh because he is a better defender. Ezequiel Vidal moved to the opposite side, and we balanced the game after this. I don't want to say anything against the opponents. The players were there, defending well. The only way they created chances—except for the second ball, where we made some mistakes—was from the throw-ins."

Despite the loss, Dilmperis chose to focus on the positives, emphasizing the growth of his young squad.

“Positive is only the lesson. 98% and 99% concentration for us is not enough. We are a team and we should be in the field 101%. No more, no less. Maybe more, but for sure no less. Because we are a new team, we are building every day. Mentality, plan, way of playing. Asmir Suljic, did a good game. These are the positives,” he stated.

Punjab FC will aim to bounce back in the next match on Tuesday, 17th December against East Bengal FC.

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